OP
baldwinguy77

Skip right to the downloads (if you dare )
Hello there RootzWiki community! I'll admit this is a pretty spontaneous post; I've been building ROMs from the Android Open Source (Project) for awhile now, but I've never "published" any of them. I myself own a Verizon Galaxy Nexus, so I've always built from AOSP to make sure I'm as up to date as possible. Well, that's a little background so let's get going with the overview of the ROM itself:

Overview
This ROM is Android KitKat 4.4.4, build KTU84P. The ROM is built directly from source, that is, the Android source code published by Google available for download to all of us developers. The reason I say the ROM is "OTA-like" is because I make VERY few modifications to it, aside from the things that it takes to get the ROM working. I'll go into detail about those things below, but basically I just want the ROM to make your phone feel stable and shiny and new as if it has just received a new OTA update. That being said, it's clear that the landscape of Nexus devices is changing as new ones are released. Therefore, the other primary goal of this ROM is to keep our Galaxy Nexus as close to the modern Nexus design as possible. This means that I will also add in features that will still be stock, but will also make our phones as close to a current Nexus as possible.

As for how I handle the forum side of things, I'm always open to comments, questions, suggestions, requests, etc. I know that most of those things will often be in the form of criticism, but it's okay, I think I can handle it That being said, I do also have a life and am a college student, so I may not get to come on here ALL the time. I will check back as frequently as possible, and I'm hoping that you guys will help each other out as much as possible! Keep it friendly! So now for the details...

Features

Stock Android 4.4.4, build KTU84P

Source (AOSP) built kernel (boot.img)

Easily rootable (see information below)

G-Apps (GMail, Play Store, etc.) included in build along with Nexus apps

Stock browser replaced with Google Chrome

Shiny restart options - access them by holding down the power button and then long pressing on "Power Off"

All the crazy Google proprietary app stuff has been taken care off

Updated frequently

Everything works!

So what do I mean when I say "Everything works!"?
I'm sure by now you all know that when someone says that, it usually ends up not being true. This ROM is not an exception to that rule, but I can say that I've tested most of the things that would be expected to work in stock Android, such as...

More things that aren't important enough to mention here - check out the changelog for a more comprehensive list

Possible Bugs
It's impossible for me to test for and notice EVERY single possible bug in the operating system, so as of right now I can't say that there are any, although I'm sure you will find some. If you do, report them here!

Other IMPORTANT Information
Root
But wait, nothing in this post said anything about root!!!11!!1!1!!! That's right, my ROM does NOT have root built in! (I don't use any root apps, and it's important to the whole "OTA-like" theme). That being said, the ROM is easily rootable; I made sure of this because I know that many, many of you will use root for many useful purposes. If you want to root the ROM, it's as easy as installing Chainfire's new superuser control app/su with this ZIP file. More detailed information can be found in the "Installation Instructions" section. **NOTE** If you are rooted and upgrading to a new build, you should not have to reflash the rooting flashable ZIP because the ROM will keep root for you.

UpdatesNow that the ROM has gotten to this stage, the update policy needs a bit of editing Based on the stats I have access to from the website host and data that I collect myself, it seems like Shiny ROM is currently (as of May 27, 2014) stable for at least 80% of the users who have downloaded it. Based on this, and because the ROM is stock, Nexus-like, it doesn't really make sense to update the ROM as frequently as before. The ROM will still be updated as soon as possible after new versions of Android are released. In between Android versions, I will work on making things 100% stable, although that goal isn't always attainable with older devices and aging hardware support. If we decide to explore other paths for the ROM, you will see many more updates If/when the time comes for me to stop updating Shiny ROM, I will let everyone know in a clear way.

Radios
This ROM will (most likely) work with any toro radios; however, I of course recommend using the most recent, Verizon-approved radios which are the FK01 and FK02 radios. My ZIP installation package for these radios can be downloaded here.

Bootloader
Once again, I'm assuming that this ROM will work with all tuna/toro bootloaders; BUT for optimal experience and performance, use the newest Google-approved bootloader, PRIMEMD04. My ZIP installation package for that bootloader can be downloaded here.

ClockworkMod Recovery
I personally recommend using ClockworkMod Recovery as it has always worked well for me with no quirks. Android 4.2 messed up a few aspects of recoveries because of its multi-user system. ClockworkMod Recovery has been updated to correct some of these issues, and I recommend updating to the most recent version, 6.0.4.3. You can flash either the touch recovery or non-touch recovery image through fastboot OR you can download my flashable recovery update ZIP (touch/non-touch) and flash it in recovery. Check out the installation instructions for more details on this.

Some Other Not-so-important Information
Naming Conventions
All of my ROM ZIP files are automatically generated by my build computer. The file name for all builds up to and including the 11/10/13 build always begins with baldwinguy77_toro_aosp so you know that it's my build for toro. All builds after 11/10/13 begin with the prefix ShinyROM_toro_aosp. That prefix is always followed by the date in mmddyy format (e.g. 112212), a hyphen ("-"), and the time in 24-hour, hhmmss format (e.g. 153945). Finally, all builds end with the "signed" suffix - it just helps me know which packages have finished building and which have not. Hopefully this helps everyone to know which update is newest; I stay away from version numbers because I let Google do all of the version control.

Source
In keeping with the spirit of open-source, all relevant Shiny ROM code can be viewed on Github. I'm not extremely experienced with Github, so bear with me as I learn! Thank you!

File Hosting
I've switched over from using Dev-host to a privately hosted site, graciously and generously given to me by RootzWiki user Goofball. Dev-host is still an amazing service, but it's much more convenient for me to use a privately hosted site, plus I get my own suburl and FTP access! HUGE thanks to Goofball, please check out his RootzWiki profile here! The private hosting will definitely help me deliver a better experience to you guys as far as downloading goes. You can view all of my uploaded, public files here: http://shinyrom.goofball.org/

Also, if anyone ever wants to mirror for me, please feel free so long as you keep the file name and the file itself intact. As for everyone who downloads from a posted mirror: BE CAREFUL! Always use a virus scanner and be careful with what you are putting on your device!

Installation Instructions (VERY IMPORTANT - Note: You can flash all of these ZIPs in CWM or TWRP*)*Android 4.4 KitKat builds must be installed using the latest version of your preferred recovery!ROM
1. Download the latest version of the ROM from the download post. (Also download any other files you will need to install, such as Chainfire's SuperSU Root ZIP, the radios installation ZIP, the bootloader installation ZIP, etc.)
2. Put the file(s) you downloaded in step 1 on your phone's internal storage (sdcard).
3. Turn off your phone.
4. Boot into the bootloader of the phone by holding down both volume buttons and the power button simultaneously until you feel a vibration and see a large arrow that says "Start".
5. Use the volume keys to change the arrow until it says "Recovery," then press the power button to boot into recovery.
6. Because of differences in recovery types, I will make the following steps rather generic.
7. Wipe cache.
8. Wipe dalvik cache.
9. If you want to be 100% sure there are no problems, wipe data. If you are coming from another ROM or Android version, wipe data. If you do not wipe data and something goes wrong, repeat this process but wipe data - this step is not necessary if you are simply upgrading.
10. If you are updating your radios, flash FK01_FK02_Radios-signed.zip
11. If you are updating your bootloader, flash PRIMEMD04-signed.zip
12. Flash the ROM (ShinyROM_toro_aosp...signed.zip)
13. If you are rooting, flash Chainfire's SuperSU ZIP file - this step is not necessary if you were rooted on the previous build and are simply upgrading.
14. Reboot your phone, and enjoy!

**Note: If you are simply upgrading to a new version of the ROM and want to keep root, follow the exact instructions above, and do not format /system. It really is not necessary to format /system at any time (unless specifically noted), as the ROM installer has this function built in.

Mods
1. Download the latest version of the mod(s) you wish to install from the download post.
2. Put the file(s) you downloaded in step 1 on your phone's internal storage (sdcard).
3. Turn off your phone.
4. Boot into the bootloader of the phone by holding down both volume buttons and the power button simultaneously until you feel a vibration and see a large arrow that says "Start".
5. Use the volume keys to change the arrow until it says "Recovery," then press the power button to boot into recovery.
6. Because of differences in recovery types, I will make the following steps rather generic.
7. Wipe cache.
8. Wipe dalvik cache.
9. Install the mod(s) you downloaded in step 1.
10. Fix permissions (not really necessary)
11. Reboot and enjoy!
**Note: You can remove all mods you've installed by dirty flashing the latest version of the ROM.

ClockworkMod Recovery (Fastboot method - must have an unlocked bootloader and fastboot in your path)
1. Download either the CWM touch recovery image or non-touch recovery image to your computer and rename it to "recovery.img".
2. Power off your phone.
3. Boot into the bootloader of the phone by holding down both volume buttons and the power button simultaneously until you feel a vibration and see a large arrow that says "Start".
4. Plug your phone into your computer using the standard USB cable.
5. Open the command prompt/terminal and navigate to the folder where your "recovery.img" is saved.
6. Type "fastboot devices" to make sure your phone is recognized; a serial number should show up on the screen.
7. Type "fastboot flash recovery recovery.img" and wait for the process to complete (should be quick).
8. You're done! Use the volume keys to select "Recovery" and boot into your new recovery!

ClockworkMod Recovery (Flashable ZIP method - easier)
If you are updating your recovery before flashing a ROM, these steps should ALL be completed PRIOR to flashing the ROM.
1. Download either the touch recovery flashable ZIP or the non-touch recovery flashable ZIP.
2. Place the ZIP file downloaded in step 1 on your internal storage/sdcard.
3. Turn off your phone.
4. Boot into the bootloader of the phone by holding down both volume buttons and the power button simultaneously until you feel a vibration and see a large arrow that says "Start".
5. Use the volume keys to change the arrow until it says "Recovery," then press the power button to boot into recovery.
6. Choose "Install update from sdcard"
7. Select "Choose file from sdcard"
8. Find the flashable recovery ZIP file you downloaded and install it
9. Back up to the root menu of recovery
10. Select "advanced"
11. Select "reboot recovery"
12. The phone should boot up into your new recovery!

Credits
As with most ROMs, I only did a small part to get everything together. Also, a note that should be made here is that when I am using someone else's file, I ALWAYS host files on the shinyrom server to ensure that I don't put any unnecessary stress on their servers. Any file, however, still belongs to and is accredited to its original creator as listed below:
Willyjay - For providing us with lots of amazing and innovative mods for the ROM! Check out his RootzWiki profile here!
Inmanster - Another great modder who we are fortunate to have here in the thread. He works in collaboration with Willyjay and his mods for many things, but also does some of his own unique mods! Check them out in the download post and check out his RootzWiki profile!
Chainfire - For their SuperSU app and su binary, as well as the convenient ZIP update package, which was previously used and recommended. Check out their website, http://www.chainfire.eu/
Groupers - My new buddy on RootzWiki who helped me out with a GPS issue that popped up in 4.2. Check out his RootzWiki profile!
Google - Without their amazing staff and willingness to share the source code of their operating system, I wouldn't have been able to build this ROM! Of course, all of the Google apps are theirs, along with the Play Store and system apps. They really are the true owners of all of this.
Samsung - We all may have some mixed feelings about them, but in the end they gave us the amazing, hackable phone that is the Galaxy Nexus.
RootzWiki - Their extremely innovative and supportive community helps myself as well as hundreds of other developers and thousands of users to thrive, and exemplifies the heart and soul of Android.
Dev-Host - The file-sharing service with virtually no limits on sharing - kudos to them and their hard work. d-h.st
Koush and the ClockworkMod/ROM Manager Team - They make the best recovery that's been around for longest, and their constant updates allow us to keep making ROMs! Also, Koush's recently released open source Superuser control app is the best available and the one linked to in the thread. Thanks Koush! clockworkmod.com
Kevdliu - Huge thanks to this dev and their amazing quick settings mod! Please check out their thread here!
The CyanogenMod Team - For a working implementation of DSPManager on Android which can be ported to any AOSP-based ROM! Without them and Bigwavedave25, the DSP manager mod would not be available! Be sure to thank them and to check out the CyanogenMod website! Also, for their feature-filled version of the stock Messaging app which is available as a mod for my ROM!
bouchigo - a Rootzwiki user who has helped to make the CM10 Messaging app available as a mod for my ROM in conjunction with Willyjay for bringing it to my attention. Check out his Rootz profile and be sure to thank him!
Schoat333 - A Rootzwiki user who helped out Willyjay with the bubble styled MMS mods. The credit for the screenshots to go along with the mods goes to him! Check out his thread and his RW profile, and be sure to thank him!
Yarly - The most experienced RootzWiki admin I've ever had the pleasure of talking with, who taught me some new debugging tricks and answered some of my questions.
Razorloves - Another RootzWiki admin who helped me out with a few problems and answered a lot of my questions!
Tiny4579 - A kernel dev here on RootzWiki who also took the time to talk with me and answer a few of my questions. Be sure to check out his RootzWiki profile and his kernel thread for the GNex!

Thanks to everyone for their hard work and sharing that work with others!

DISCLAIMER
Come on guys, it's a Galaxy Nexus, to what extent could it really get messed up? Nonetheless, in case someone flashes this then puts their phone in the microwave or something and tries to blame it on me, I am not directly responsible for anything that occurs, either negative or positive, from flashing this ROM to your phone. Despite that, I am posting in the spirit of the Android community, a community that I have embraced and belonged to for several years, and I would never try to hurt any of your innocent, beautiful phones. Also, none of the original source for Android belongs to me, nor do any of Google's apps. All preinstalled applications are property of Google, Inc. and I make no claim of ownership to them.

Okay that's about it! THE ROM DOWNLOAD LINK AND A SUMMARY OF ALL FILE DOWNLOADS CAN BE FOUND BELOW!

If you install mods that are in the same color group, it is likely that they will overwrite each other. It is OK to overwrite a previously installed mod, but please note that the originally installed mod will no longer be there. If you want to completely revert to stock, flash the "Back to Stock ZIP" mod under the baldwinguy77 mod section. This mod replaces your SystemUI.apk and framework-res.apk files with ones from the stock ROM.

Developer-specific Mods
All of these mods have been provided by some really awesome mod developers who take the time to continue to make updated mods for my newest ROM builds. That being said, they have lives and can't always get the mods out right away, so make sure the date next to their name matches the build you're running! They usually are around the thread and are open to doing custom mods if you ask Be sure to thank them and check out the credits section for more info!

Baldwinguy77 (Updated for 8/9/14 build)Back to Stock ZIP - Returns you to the stock version of the ROM by removing SystemUI and framework-res mods.Stock kernel flashable ZIP - Overwrites any custom kernel you have installed with the stock kernel normally packaged with the ROM.

Universal Mods & DownloadsThese mods have been compiled by myself, sometimes in conjunction with the modders above, to always work with any version of the ROM (but not necessarily any device). Therefore, you don't have to worry so much about these being up-to-date because they should always work. If that is ever not the case, simply PM me and we'll get it fixed This section also includes some other Verizon Galaxy Nexus related downloads such as the latest radios and bootloader. You can use these according to the installation instructions in the OP.

Universal ModsAOSP Web Browser (for Android 4.4) - Installs the AOSP web browser with Chrome bookmark syncing for Android 4.4.DSP Manager(for Android 4.4) - Installs the DSP Manager app along with the audio libs and configs important to running the service, allowing you to customize the audio equalizer of your device. At the moment, certain apps on Android 4.4 do not work with the modular DSP service.

ScottPilgram

awesome, another ROM for me to play with is always nice. Despite the 4.2 bugs I've really been enjoying the newest version of our fav. OS this might be the first time I'm fine with straight stock and a few useful mods. Good job dev. very informative

MrBigFeathers

This is exactly what I have been looking for. My company uses MobileIron which detects root and won't let you connect to exchange. I have always had to download custom ROMs and do my best to remove root which would break some stuff. It is hard to find custom ROMs that come unrooted.

Anyway, my question is do you plan to support the ROM for a while? I would love to give it a shot and potentially use it for good so I can just update and not ever need to worry about root. Do you generally update it whenever there is an update on AOSP? I'll be stuck with the Verizon nexus for a long while and would love this to be available for the long haul but I understand people move on from phones quick.

pals0007

Sorry but I am confused about the whole rom not rooted thing. After I install this ROM. If I install super su do I automatically have root again or is there a step I am missing. Thanks in advance for your help

OP
baldwinguy77

You should use the system updates in about phone to deliver "OTA" updates for when you update the rom

Haha it's a definite possibility! Once I make sure no one is having any problems with current builds of the ROM I'll start to add in some more low-level optimizations and tweaks, for example maybe direct updates

This is exactly what I have been looking for. My company uses MobileIron which detects root and won't let you connect to exchange. I have always had to download custom ROMs and do my best to remove root which would break some stuff. It is hard to find custom ROMs that come unrooted.

Anyway, my question is do you plan to support the ROM for a while? I would love to give it a shot and potentially use it for good so I can just update and not ever need to worry about root. Do you generally update it whenever there is an update on AOSP? I'll be stuck with the Verizon nexus for a long while and would love this to be available for the long haul but I understand people move on from phones quick.

Thank you, looking forward to trying it.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

No problem! I'm definitely going to be updating and supporting the ROM for awhile. I'll probably put out a new build every 3 days or so - those builds will have very minor changes. Any time the OS version gets bumped up I'll also update, but I'll make sure to note that change in the thread. I too, have a Verizon GNex as my only phone so I have a lot of incentive to update!

Sorry but I am confused about the whole rom not rooted thing. After I install this ROM. If I install super su do I automatically have root again or is there a step I am missing. Thanks in advance for your help

Just as davelm said you simply flash the root ZIP file that I link to in the OP. You'll want to install the ROM normally through recovery and immediately after install the root ZIP. Then, when you reboot, you should be rooted!

Just as a side note for everyone, you can actually flash the SuperSU root ZIP file at any time after installation and it should give you root.